With the end of NSW parliamentary sittings, the last before the March 2011 election, the implementation of political promises by the principal parliamentary protagonists seems further away than ever.

The State Labor Premier’s promise last May to set up a strategic review of the effect of mining on land and water, has faded, and the assurance by the prior Minister for Ag, Paul McLeay, at a Caroona visit, of a full cabinet sub committee to vet legislation, does not seem to have materialized.  Similarly, and again at a Caroona meeting with CCAG,  National shadow Minister Duncan Gay and Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell signaled the development and release of a full Prime Ag policy before last Christmas, but even then this promise looked distant and has became lost in the noise of the approaching election.

A draft Bill would go a long way to restoring their rural credibility.